Question about my parents benefits in US if they come legally

[csoul 0]

Hello!

My sister is a US Citizen and I am a Permanent Resident (right now: removing condition).

We like to bring our parents from Venezuela to US and my sister is going to start a petition soon but we have a lot of questions. I made a research on Internet and found most of the answers we are looking for but one that is very important is almost impossible to find.

Is there any economical benefit (social security, medicare or something?) for them when they arrive to US? (Both around 70 years old).

For me this does not sound logical because obviously they never paid a cent for those services but somebody told me that no matter what they will have some help of about $600 a month. Is that right?

My dad and mom (he is engineer and my mom is a lawyer) are healthy and they want to work hard to earn their own money but will be awesome (like a motivation to come here) to receive something extra to live in a better way.

Thanks.

[rickynlucy 0]

They would have needed to work for a certain number of quarters with a certain $ amount in order for them to be eligible for social security. Given their age, I don't think it's likely that they would be able to earn social security.

Here is a link with more detailed info: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10072.html#number

This is from the medicare site: "Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States."

If they accept any needs based benefit, then the person signing the affidavit of support would be liable to reimburse the government.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hello!

My sister is a US Citizen and I am a Permanent Resident (right now: removing condition).

We like to bring our parents from Venezuela to US and my sister is going to start a petition soon but we have a lot of questions. I made a research on Internet and found most of the answers we are looking for but one that is very important is almost impossible to find.

Is there any economical benefit (social security, medicare or something?) for them when they arrive to US? (Both around 70 years old).

For me this does not sound logical because obviously they never paid a cent for those services but somebody told me that no matter what they will have some help of about $600 a month. Is that right?

My dad and mom (he is engineer and my mom is a lawyer) are healthy and they want to work hard to earn their own money but will be awesome (like a motivation to come here) to receive something extra to live in a better way.

Thanks.

There are two types of benefits - entitlement benefits and welfare.

Entitlement benefits are Social Security and Medicare. You work for 40 quarters (generally 10 years) to qualify for these benefits. You put money in. You get money back when you retire.

Welfare benefits is what the indigent get. It is a means-test benefit. This is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, food stamps, etc.

A person immigrating to the US has a sponsor who obligates himself/herself to reimburse the government for any means-test benefits that the immigrants may use.

Since your parents did not pay into the entitlements benefits, they will not get any.

If they apply and get welfare benefits, you will have to reimburse the government for it.

There is no reason for the US to let people into the country to get "free money." I am an immigrant myself. My family in Vietnam thinks that there is all this "free money" for them when they get here. I have spent countless hours telling this is not so.

If it appears that your parents will be dependent upon welfare, they will be deemed likely public charge and not be able to get visas.

If I sound a little pissed, it is because you think it is "awesome" that US taxpayers should support your parents when they get here. Why the hell would I want to pay for your parents' living expenses?

Edited May 25, 2009 by aaron2020

[TayRivers 4]

They will not qualify for any help $$$ wise, in fact it will cost a lot of money for them to be here. My parents are just about to move over here and the cost of their medical insurance is going to be $1054.00 per month for them both. Here in MA you have to have medical insurance or you have to pay higher state tax and a fine.

You may want to look into the costs that are going to be involved if your parents move to the USA before you file anything.

[csoul 0]

Thank you for all your answers. That sound more logical to me (not free money for any immigrant that didn't pay any taxes or social security before). But I was just asking...

Thanks again,